Expert: Roger J.M. Warrington - 12/13/2005

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have a 96 cavalier with the 2.2L. As of right now, the heater blows luke warm air and my temperature gauge stays on the cold side (it never reaches the normal area). Also, the cooling fan constantly runs. I changed the temperature switch but that didn't work. Could it be the cooling fan relay?  If so, where is it on the engine? Or maybe the heater core?
Answer -
Hi Stephen;
         The first thing I would do is change the thermastat.It sounds as if it is not working properly.


That was my first thought also. But, I have changed the thermostat, I've also changed the temperature sensor. It won't warm up even if I have the cooling fan unplugged. I don't know what to do next.
Answer -
HI Stephen;
         Do you havre a heater bypass switch it is in line with one of the 2 hoses that run to the back left side of the fire wall if yes it might be stuck in the close posit.
Also what size therm. did you put in a 180 ?
        
I'm not sure about the bypass switch, I'll have to look. I guess it's a 180 degree therm. It's whatever original equip. is.  This past weekend I replaced the water pump because it wasn't pumping any water. The heater works better now, but only when the car is idling. Once I start driving and the cool wind hits the radiator, the heater starts blowing cooler air.

Answer
HI;
   Was the pump leaking ?, Did you check the two hoses that run to the heater on the left side of the firewall , if thay are both hot when the car is at normal temp. than there is something stuck or the vent is not working from the heater area. What you can do till you find the trouble is to place a piece of cardboard in front of the rad. and that will help you some. I would try a new therm. the one that you replaced could be bad. Again I would get a new therm. and than see what happens.